Destinations / Guatemala
Driving in Guatemala as a visitor
Often optional, depending on your licence and rental company. Guatemala drives on the right and accepts a valid foreign licence for short stays; an IDP is advised for non-Latin-script holders.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Guatemala expects
| Driving document | Depends on licence issuer, script and rental policy |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1949 Geneva |
| Valid for | 1 year |
| Drives on the | Right |
| Emergency number | 110 (police), 123 (ambulance) |
| Top speed limit | 100 km/h highways |
What the rental desk will ask you for
| Your own licence | The original card. A photo of it, or a photocopy, gets turned away. |
|---|---|
| Licence translation | Check the desk policy for your issuing country and licence script. A translation accompanies the licence and never replaces an official permit. |
| Booklet format they know | 1949 Geneva |
| Minimum age | 18. Under 25 usually pays a young-driver surcharge. |
| Deposit | A credit card in the driver's name. The hold is taken in GTQ. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| After dark | Avoid night driving outside cities. |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | 0.08% alcohol limit. |
| Speed | Topes (speed bumps) frequent in towns. |
On the road in Guatemala
At the pump
Stations sell gasolina regular, super and diesel by the US gallon at roughly Q38-45 per gallon; major branded stations on the CA-1/CA-9 take Visa/Mastercard and cash, but carry quetzales for rural pumps.
After a crash
Call 110 (PNC police) or 1554/PROATUR tourist assistance; do not move the vehicles and wait for authorities, as in serious or injury crashes all involved drivers can be detained until fault is established.
Sources: internationaldriversassociation.com · livinginguatemala.com · livinginguatemala.com · tyremap.com
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Guatemala?
Often optional, depending on your licence and rental company. Guatemala drives on the right and accepts a valid foreign licence for short stays; an IDP is advised for non-Latin-script holders.
Which translation format is used for Guatemala?
Guatemala uses the 1949 Geneva convention format. A Vialy translation is prepared in that format but is not a government-issued permit.
Will a rental desk in Guatemala ask for a translation?
Guatemala City desks accept many licences; an IDP helps non-Latin scripts.
How fast can Vialy prepare one for Guatemala?
The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay, 30 minutes as standard and 5 with Express.
Also in Central America
Driving on to another country on the same trip? Each page states what that destination expects.